As the most populated island in Hawaii and the most visited one of them all, Oahu is usually the first island most first-timers in the state visit. Boasting a vast shoreline, volcanoes, and idyllic forests, there’s plenty to do in Oahu to keep you entertained no matter how long you’re visiting.
With so many visitors flocking to the island, it’s easy to imagine that escaping the crowds in Oahu is not an easy feat. But don’t despair if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to avoid tourist hotspots. With a little effort, you can visit some really sweet hidden gems here!
Hidden Gems in Hawaii You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Kaena Point State Park
Lying placidly at the northwestern most tip of the island, Kaena Point State Park is a beach park not many people know exists.
Although Kaena’s is not a great place for swimming because of the strength of the waves here, hiking here is absolutely splendid. A 2.7 mile-long trail runs along the shore and up some steep rocks, which pretty much guarantees stunning views every step of the way. Some of the highlights you’ll get to appreciate are the volcanic coast, tide pools, caves, and even some natural rock arches. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins. But you have to get there early in the morning!
Kawela Bay
If you don’t exactly love crowds, Kawela Beach is just right for you because very few people visit this off-the-beaten-path gem in Oahu! This beautiful beach has trees lining the entire shoreline, which makes for a very unique scenario. Kawela may just be one of the biggest hidden gems in all of Hawaii. Especially when it comes to gorgeous beaches.
Moreover, Kawela’s waves are very calm most of the time. Making it a great Oahu beach to visit if you’re traveling with kids.
Goat Island
Located a mere 720 feet from Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Mokuʻauia Island, or Goat Island as it’s more commonly called by the locals, is a flat islet in Laie Bay.
What makes it very special is the fact that it’s made of lithified dunes, a truly unique sight. There are no goats on Goat Island, though. But there are lots of seabirds, as they’ve made it their nesting point!
Pro tip: This is a protected seabird sanctuary. So it’s important to stay away from the center of the island, where the seabirds lay their eggs. But you can still see them at a distance.
Goat Island is close enough to the beach that you can swim over. Wading your way over is not recommended at all. Because you can cut yourself with the coral reef underneath, damaging it in the process too. If you’re not too fond of the idea of swimming over, you can paddle on a bodyboard or surfboard!
Mokuauia Island boasts three different beaches. But your best bet is the one located on the left side of the islet because this beach is protected from strong waves by cliffs, which make it perfect for floating in very calm waters with gorgeous views of Oahu’s mountains in the background.
Kahuku Farms
If you love organic dining and want to live a truly unique experience in Oahu, go to Kahuku Farms, where you can tour the estate and sample fresh fruits directly from the vine!
What began as a small roadside shop a long time ago has turned into a great place to visit. After strolling through the farm and eating farm-to-table-goodies, you can also shop for some natural beauty and self-care products!
Byodo-In Temple
Oahu has its very own small replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan. This version was built in Kahaluu as a homage to the Japanese people who inhabited Hawaii for over 100 years. As a non-practicing Buddhist temple, it is open to the public and visitors are welcome. So you can feel free to walk around and take pictures.
Mermaid Cove
Mermaid Cove is probably one of the biggest hidden gems in Oahu, to the point that there are no tours for visitors available to this off-the-beaten-track location. You’ll have no problem getting there. Though, if you’re willing to walk a bit and find your way through some tunnels. Just head to Nanakuli Beach Park and you’ll be sure to find it.
The magical thing about Mermaid Cove is that its caverns are partly underwater. Creating a stunning effect when sunlight is reflected on its walls. Seeing this unique light spectacle is a reward well worth the effort of getting there.
Electric Beach
Electric Beach is certainly an unusual name. But there is a logical explanation for it. A power plant was built across the street from this location so that just about explains it.
What makes this beach so delightful, though, is the fact that the warm water that is thrown from the plant into the ocean attracts marine life like a magnet! Needless to say, snorkeling here is an almost otherworldly experience. Make sure to go close to the water pipe because that’s where tons of animals like to hang out.
China Walls
China Walls is a very particular formation of rocks jutting into the ocean. Which produces an alluring view as the ocean waves crash against the rocky walls. Here, you can also enjoy splendid views of Oahu’s volcanic side, making it a real gem worth visiting if you love amazing vistas.
Have you ever visited any of these hidden gems on Oahu or know of others? If you’ve got any other exciting places to visit on the island that didn’t make it to this post, let me know all about them in the comment section below!
We all dream of a clean and tidy home as if it’s something supernatural or impossible to achieve. Supernatural – definitely not. Impossible – well, it can feel that way if you are a working mom who spends all day working and running, only to come back home dead tired, and on the edge after finding their home nothing but a mess.
The same goes for the work from home mom who spends all of their time in front of their desk only to come out for lunch and sometimes a water refill. Many would assume we would have all the time in the world working from home to keep the house clean during our working hours.
Does that sound familiar? If yes, then I can understand how bad you wish to have a clean home. It might feel impossible, but it is not. Given, there are working moms out there who manage to keep a clean house.
You must be wondering, “How the hell do they do that?”
Well, they have their secrets, which I am going to spill out in this very article. So, keep reading.
10 secrets to keeping a clean house as a working mom
1. Prepare the night before
Tell me if you don’t throw away your sweaters, jackets, and scarves on the bed or floor every time you leave for work, all because you don’t have enough time to keep things in their proper place. Guilty, right? Well, the morning rush does that to everybody. So, the trick here is to prepare the night before so you save time and don’t leave a mess behind. Here’s how
Select your clothes, iron them, and hang them by the hanger on a door, or at the front of your cabinet.
Keep your essentials in the bag the night before.
Chop vegetables for breakfast. While you are at it, look for quick breakfast options that won’t create a huge mess.
Keep the cosmetics you would need to get ready nearby.
2. Don’t procrastinate
Have a jacket to put in the closet? Well, don’t just leave it there, even if you think you’ll pick it up later. Just know the word, Later is a scam.
So, make it a rule to do things then and there. Don’t procrastinate, pick up the things, wash the dishes, and keep things properly right at the moment. You wouldn’t want to come back home to a messed-up home, would you?
The same goes for your kids, if they have something laying around, it’s good practice to teach them to pick it up and put it where it goes the second they (most likely you) see it.
3. Encourage your family to do their own chores
Yes, you are the mother, but it doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself – even the chores that are not yours to do in the first place. Gender roles are history, so it’s time you encourage your family to do their chores – whether it is washing their dishes, doing their laundry, cooking their food, or cleaning their rooms.
In our home, my husband does his own laundry because he likes to wear the same things multiple times a week, even with a closet full of capable clothing. Our girls do the dishes and are responsible for keeping their rooms cleaned as well as the dog messes in the yard once a week.
Leila’s teacher let them play a game in school in her 5th grade class and one of the questions was if they had to do chores at home. Out of 20 students, only 3 of them had chores. 3! It’s no wonder us moms and dads are overwhelmed by housework! Now is the time to teach your children how to do chores and at the very least clean their own rooms!
4. Encourage your family to help you out
Another variation to the former point, but the logic is the same – you are not a superhuman who can do everything. Your family should help out. Ergo, if everybody is in favor, consider dividing chores between your family members – You can reserve the easiest for your children – like collecting dirty clothes in the laundry basket and picking up things.
Sometimes when we have a lot of laundry from returning from travel, or just a hectic week I will start a load of laundry and let them collect in the laundry baskets. Steve is very adamant about the 4 of us getting all the laundry and dumping it on the couch and folding and putting it away together. While we do have a cleaning crew that comes once a week, sometimes the laundry is out of control and needs help. This is a nice relief when we can all do it together.
5. Use technology to make your work easy
It’s simple – if you can afford cleaning technologies, why wouldn’t you? Cleaning machines like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and washing machines exist to make our lives effortless. You cannot remain an old school for the rules of it. Be open-minded if you aren’t already.
Pro Tip — We have the iRobot vacuum (this is the exact one we have) and also a mopping robot that clean and mop the floors because our dogs are major shedders! They go off on a specific schedule each day and it’s one less thing I have to worry about because they clean the whole floor and when they are done, they go back to their home for the rest of the day.
6. Don’t over clean
Do you wash your clothes after every wear? If you do, you’re making yourself work for no reason at all. This needs to be said a lot – some clothes don’t require washing after every wear. Considerthis guide for details.
7. Keep everything organized
Does cleaning seem like a mountain to climb? Well, it can certainly feel that way if one doesn’t have everything organized. If you want your cleaning to be quick, organize right by allocating a place for every type of item.
Tip – If you find your drawers extremely cluttered, you can invest in storage items like small boxes, and trays to make everything more organized.
8. Own fewer things
Do you know the root of the problem? Our homes are full of clutter, which is why cleaning seems a hassle. The solution is easy (but requires you to have a strong heart to let go) – Declutter and own a few things. The fewer things you own, the less will be the mess.
9. Get professional help
Don’t hesitate to dial cleaning services when you are in desperate need. These services can be a little investment but are totally worth it if they can save the day.
10. Take it easy
You are a working mom who runs like a robot – cut yourself some slack and take it easy. The world won’t collide if you don’t clean for a day or don’t make cleaning your priority if you have other things to worry about. It’s okay. Try your best, and it will still be enough.
Hey there, do you have some cleaning tips we all can use? Feel free to share them in the comment section.
The word “Sacred” and “Sacred space” might not always have religious connotations as it is often believed. In fact, a sacred space can be an area where you feel closer to yourself or something you believe in. In other words, you can call it your sanctuary where you can find peace, happiness, and solace.
For some people, sacred can have religious connotations because they find peace in God, and everything divine. They set their sacred space to feel closer to their God. As for others, a sacred space can be a zone where they feel themselves. For instance, if you’re a book-lover, your sacred space can be a library.
Ergo, the point is, the word ‘sacred’ has different and subjective meanings. Which meaning you choose is precisely what you believe in. Nonetheless, it is any place you feel safe in – be it with yourself or in a space that connects you to your God, or your spiritual self.
So, if you know where and what makes you feel safe, it would be a good idea to create a sacred space for you to stay calm, relax and rewind.
Here’s how you can create it.
How to create your own high-vibe sacred space
1. Choose your space
To build your dream home, you need to first select a land. Likewise, to create your own sacred space you have to choose a space that you think would be the most appropriate for the purpose.
If your meaning of a sacred space is something divine, related to God, then you might have to create a space that is suitable from the point of astrology. In other words, you might have to pick a direction most suitable for your endeavor.
If your meaning of sacred space is a library, then think which would be the best place to have shelves and store hundreds of your favorite books.
These are two examples, and the answers differ as to what you consider your sacred space to be. That being said, if it helps here are some space suggestions:
Table, desk, corner table
Shelf, cabinet, and wardrobes
Bedside table, dresser
Room corners
Window sill
Entranceway
Outdoor area
A separate room
2. Picture it
Time to use a little bit of imagination. The whole process would be effortless if you would already have in mind what your sacred space should look like.
If not, think through. You can also head to Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration to create your own high vibe sacred space.
3. Prepare your space
If you live in a cluttered place, then you would certainly have to make room for your sacred space. Clearing things would definitely help. However, if you are running storage issues – try decluttering.
For some added inspiration: What matters is you, and your sacred space. So, try to get rid of things that would not meet the purpose you have set your mind to.
Lastly, this doesn’t need much emphasis, but your space needs to be clean. So, get your dusting cloth and get started. To add an aesthetic touch, you might want to paint to add uniqueness to your space. Choose a color that calms you down – white and off-white are highly suggested. Don’t go for dark and dull colors – they won’t provide you peace and calm as light shades would.
4. Add things you want to
Once you picture the space, you would also be picturing the inclusions. So, this as well is a question only you can answer. Think through, make a list, set a budget, and then get started with acquiring the things.
If your idea of a sacred space is a spiritual one, then you must consider adding healing stones such as Rose Quartz in your collection.
Once you have acquired all of them, set the place. (At this point, you’d be pretty excited, wouldn’t you?
5. Make it comfortable
It’s a rule – your sacred space has to be comfortable – otherwise, it will defeat the purpose. So, add all the things that will get your body to relax. It can be a reading chair if you are setting up a library or a mat if you are creating space for yoga.
Lastly, just keep adoring it
Now that you are done with it, there’s nothing left but sitting back and adoring the sacred space you created. It’s your sanctuary. Don’t be afraid to come in as often as you like or need and enjoy it. Soak in the energy you created and let all your worries disappear!
Hey there, what does sacred mean to you? How do you create your sacred space? Feel free to talk your heart out with us in the comment section.
Not all of us come from a financially blessed family. Growing up, my family was put on the list of free lunch service at school, and would get donations for gifts from community members, so I know what it’s like first hand to struggle. Some of us have to work extra hard to make our ends meet and to provide for ourselves or our families. Whether it is juggling extra jobs, or working in a corporate sector, it’s a pain to drag yourself to meet your expenses. If the struggle seems familiar to you, then you know not just earning, but saving can be difficult too.
You have to be frugal; you have to think a million times before buying something and make hundreds of sacrifices to adhere to your budget. It’s all a struggle.
However, as much as challenging it is, there are some aspects we must never be frugal about. In other words, we might cut back on other expenses, but MUST NOT on these!
5 Important things you should NOT be frugal about
1. Healthcare
You cannot put a price tag on life. It’s literally priceless – all the reason why you must never try to be frugal when it comes to healthcare. There’s no doubt that healthcare is extremely expensive and not everyone can afford it. But you cannot settle for anything less.
Healthcare is not a piece of clothing you can get in for cheap at a different store. So, it’s time you understand that you cannot be frugal about it. Get health insurance, pay regular premiums, go for regular checkups, don’t ignore the warning signs, and invest in medicines that are essential for your wellbeing. Don’t try to trim your budget for that.
My dad has had Epilepsy since he was 12, so I remember growing up with pill bottle after pill bottle he would take each morning and each night on a specific schedule. He also had to go to the doctor every six months for checkups to ensure he was still managing his Epilepsy properly. He had really great healthcare because he didn’t have a choice, it was a matter of life and death. We didn’t necessarily have the same experience as kids. If something was wrong, mom would try to care for us at home first, then we would see a doctor at the last minute. I have reeling teeth problems because I didn’t go to the dentist often as a child and also didn’t have great oral hygiene instilled in me.
However, if it helps, you can avoid some medical expenses by living a healthy lifestyle. Eat clean, develop some healthy habits, and exercise regularly to ensure that your immunity is strong enough to battle diseases.
2. Education
High school education is okay, but higher education can be pretty expensive – which is why parents often spend their lives accumulating money for their kids to pay for education.
Sadly, education has become more of a business these days. But this is something you cannot control, so you cannot be frugal here. Consider education as an investment for the future. You might have to incur heavily right now, but perhaps in the next 10-15 years, you’ll recover 5x of the amount you spent.
I am proud to say I’m the first and only Bachelor’s Degree earning immediate family member of my family. I accumulated a ton of debt during the six years it took me to graduate and did so even with my oldest daughter on my hip for the last year of college. It was tough, but also important for me to finish something and set the example for my children.
You may spend your savings, or you may borrow money. However, be mindful of the amount. You still have to spare some for emergencies.
3. Good Food
Yes, you can definitely cut back on instant noodles, unnecessary sauces and spreads, and all those unhealthy food items on the grocery shelves. But you cannot cut back your expenses on healthy food.
When it comes to health – it’s precious, all the expenses are worth it if it keeps you in the best health. You cannot settle for low-quality food items that might cause you some serious health issues – it will add stress, struggle, and not to mention additional medical bills.
So, go on, don’t think twice before investing in healthy vegetables, food and dairy items. Pick the best. However, if you’re looking for even a little scope of saving, I suggest growing your own veggies, or picking different grocery stores that offer cheaper but quality food (However, don’t experiment too much). Trust me, there are no other ways.
If you are interested in growing your own veggies and fruits, I highly recommend you check out the AeroGarden. I absolutely love mine and no longer need to purchase lettuce from the store!
4. Invest in Experiences
At the end of the day, the goal is not just to survive but to live. You must have a bunch of good memories and experiences to look back on in life, and if that requires investing, it’s totally worth it. Not to mention, some good memorable experiences can make you happier. So, if something makes you happy, don’t think twice.
Save and go on multiple vacations. I know it can be extremely expensive, but once you spend quality time in a relaxing, spectacular place, it’s worth every penny. However, if you are really too tight to go on vacations, enjoy the small experiences. Go out, taste authentic delicacies, eat at fancy restaurants, have the time of your life, because you’re lucky enough that you have one to live. Be grateful! Remember, you don’t have to travel far to have an experience, I’m sure there are plenty of places you can visit around you that will create memories for a lifetime.
5. Hobbies
Once again, if it makes you happy, it’s worth every penny. Hobbies and happiness go hand in hand. Doing something that your heart lies in makes life so much worth living. So, don’t hold yourself back from investing in your hobbies.
Whether it is investing in a music class, or buying expensive canvas colors, go ahead and do it. It’s okay to do something that you like, and it’s okay to spend it on activities that provide solace to your soul. YOU MATTER.
I know these expenses can cause a lot of financial burdens. But sometimes, things are worth the money you invest in – include these five in it.
So, if you think you can, don’t hold yourself back. Accept it – they are necessary expenses.
Hey there, do you always stay frugal? What is your opinion about spending on these areas? Feel free to share your views with us in the comment section.
Do you put dresses back in the aisle because there are expenses to incur? Do you cancel your plans because your partner made both of yours without running them by you? Trust me, when it comes to making sacrifices for the sake of others’ happiness, we champion that. Not because we like to make sacrifices, but because we think doing the opposite might make someone unhappy. We cannot do that. Why? Because apparently, that’s selfish.
Well, at least that’s what we think. But here’s a piece of truth. Finding your happiness, or doing things that make you feel happy is not being selfish. If you think it is, you better not skip reading what I have to say.
7 reasons why finding happiness for yourself isn’t selfish
1. You are supposed to live your life, not just survive it
There’s a difference between surviving and living. Surviving means you are just going through life without enjoying it with no concern about happiness. A life of survival just means stress and misery. Life is too short to live this way.
So, your goal should not be survival but living. Do all the things that you love to do – even when it involves disagreeing with people. You have to listen to yourself as well, don’t be someone who looks up to the voices from outside and ignores the ones inside.
2. You are a human
You are a human; you are not a superhuman who can keep everyone happy. Trust me, keeping everyone pleased and satisfied is not possible even if it is a superpower that humans can have.
So, once in a while focus on yourself too. If you know something can make you happy – get it. Even the little things like the dress you had your eyes on but did not buy it because other family members had expenses to incur. Little things count. And if they make you happy – don’t think twice.
3. You have to save yourself
Sometimes you won’t stand up for yourself just because there’s a risk involved – hurting others and you depend on them. But trust me when I say this – if you don’t stand up for yourself, no one will. You can save yourself from the fall if you push yourself up.
People who genuinely care about you won’t judge you for choosing your happiness. In fact, they’ll understand your situation. At the end of the day – happiness is a basic need.
4. Putting yourself first doesn’t mean you’re disregarding others.
Don’t feel guilty about putting yourself first. It’s not a crime to think about yourself. If you are not comfortable doing something, don’t do it. At the same time, don’t think, saying “No” is equal to disregarding others’ feelings. If they feel disregarded, it speaks about their character. They might even be the toxic lot you should stay away from.
So, the next time, your colleague hands you over a pile full of files after your shift ends, say No, or if your friends force you into smoking knowing that you don’t, do not hesitate – Say NO.
5. You deserve to be taken care of – If not by others, then by yourself.
Ask yourself, are you the one who takes care of everybody? You make sacrifices for them, go the extra mile to make them happy? If yes, you’re definitely an angel. But just so you know, angels take care of themselves too.
So, if you think asking your family to be responsible for cleaning their dishes would allow you a moment of peace and rest, go ahead and speak your mind. Examples can be many but the point remains the same – it’s equally important to take care of yourself.
6. Your happiness matters too
You keep on making sacrifices, doing things you don’t want to as if your happiness is not important as that of others. But it is not true. Your happiness, your choices matter because you are the sailor of your own boat. As said before, you have to live life, not survive it. The only way to do that is to do things and make choices that make you happy.
7. Your purpose in life is not to please people
Your purpose in life might be to help people, but it’s not to please people. You don’t owe it to anybody to keep them happy and satisfied. So, you might as well live a life without bothering yourself with the task. Pleasing people is not an obligation, so stop treating it as one.
Having said that, you’re more than just a people pleaser; you’re not the manager of a restaurant who has to keep their customers happy and satisfied. So, it’s time you come to terms with reality and start finding your own happiness.
I hope these reasons changed your mind. But once again, keeping yourself first is not being selfish – it just means you’re listening to yourself. That’s not something you should be ashamed of.
people know exists.
unique scenario. Kawela may just be one of the biggest hidden gems in all of Hawaii. Especially when it comes to gorgeous beaches.
goats on Goat Island, though. But there are lots of seabirds, as they’ve made it their nesting point! 
homage to the Japanese people who inhabited Hawaii for over 100 years. As a non-practicing Buddhist temple, it is open to the public and visitors are welcome. So you can feel free to walk around and take pictures.
the ocean waves crash against the rocky walls. Here, you can also enjoy splendid views of Oahu’s volcanic side, making it a real gem worth visiting if you love amazing vistas.
for work, all because you don’t have enough time to keep things in their proper place. Guilty, right? Well, the morning rush does that to everybody. So, the trick here is to prepare the night before so you save time and don’t leave a mess behind. Here’s how
are not yours to do in the first place. Gender roles are history, so it’s time you 
everything. Your family should help out. Ergo, if everybody is in favor, consider dividing chores between your family members – You can reserve the easiest for your children – like collecting dirty clothes in the laundry basket and picking up things.
needs to be said a lot – some clothes don’t require washing after every wear. Consider
have to choose a space that you think would be the most appropriate for the purpose.
vibe sacred space.
you can answer. Think through, make a list, set a budget, and then get started with acquiring the things.
when it comes to healthcare. There’s no doubt that healthcare is extremely expensive and not everyone can afford it. But you cannot settle for anything less.
spend their lives accumulating money for their kids to pay for education.
and experiences to look back on in life, and if that requires investing, it’s totally worth it. Not to mention, some good memorable experiences can make you happier. So, if something makes you happy, don’t think twice.
something that your heart lies in makes life so much worth living. So, don’t hold yourself back from investing in your hobbies.
enjoying it with no concern about happiness. A life of survival just means stress and misery. Life is too short to live this way.
depend on them. But trust me when I say this – if you don’t stand up for yourself, no one will. You can save yourself from the fall if you push yourself up.
to make them happy? If yes, you’re definitely an angel. But just so you know, angels take care of themselves too.
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